Ron Brown Scholar Program — $40,000 (African American High School Seniors)

About This Opportunity

The Ron Brown Scholar Program awards $40,000 scholarships ($10,000 per year for four years) to African American high school seniors who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, community service, and financial need. Approximately 10–20 scholarships are awarded annually from a pool of highly competitive applicants. The program is named for the late U.S. Secretary of Commerce Ron Brown, who died in a plane crash in 1996 while on a trade mission. Scholars receive not just financial support but access to the Ron Brown Scholar community, mentoring, and career development resources. The program values community engagement and leadership as much as GPA and test scores — students who have made a meaningful impact in their communities, schools, or organizations are competitive applicants. The scholarship is renewable for four years contingent on academic performance and continued community engagement. Applications open in August with a November deadline. Omaha and Council Bluffs African American students who meet the academic and service profile are strongly encouraged to apply.

Who Can Apply

African American high school senior. U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Demonstrated academic excellence (high GPA and test scores). Demonstrated financial need. Strong record of community service and leadership. Application includes transcripts, test scores, essays, letters of recommendation, and a financial need assessment. Apply at ronbrown.org.